Dec 14 2009
I asked a model for advice…
You may be thinking, “Is that such a good idea?”
But Shannon Stewart is no ordinary model, an ET to the core, she has made a public declaration, in the face of television, pageant, and public pressure, that she will not compromise her convictions.
This is a girl worth listening to.
Shannon Stewart competed on the first season of “America’s Next Top Model”. But, in the semi-finals during a nude photoshoot in Paris, Shannon and fellow contestant Robin Manning caused controversy when they refused to take part in the photoshoot because of their Christian convictions.
Naturally this spiked my curiosity, who was this girl who stood up for modesty against the crowd?
Through a series of events, Shannon agreed to answer some questions for the benefit of our readers- read, and be encouraged!
1. CT: I understand that you refused to pose nude while shooting footage for America’s Next Top Model, How do you explain your position on modesty to other people in the fashion industry?
Shannon: “Whether I am working, at home, or hanging out with my friends, I strive to be the same person. Just because I am a model, doesn’t mean I have to change who I am while I am at work…I have to be who I am no matter where I am at! My agents may not be wild that I do not do lingerie, alcohol, cigarettes, etc, but I think I have earned their respect! I have made a stance, and will NOT do certain things, no matter how much money, fame, or fortune I could get! It isn’t worth selling my soul for, and loosing who I am as a person. I don’t want to wake up one day and think to myself, “who am I , what have I become?” So, it definitely hasn’t been easy, it is so much harder to say no than yes, but I know at the end of the day who I am to please–Jesus Christ!!!”
2. CT: What is typically the response you get when you’ve made a stand on this issue?
Shannon: “At first it’s like, “why not, what’s the big deal…you know you are ‘limiting’ yourself, don’t you?” Yes, I know I have taken a major pay cut by not taking some jobs, but money can’t buy someone joy…nor can it bring you happiness or peace.”
3. CT: You are currently working for Elite Model Management, do they give you the liberty to turn down questionable model castings?
Shannon: Elite Chicag0 (which they now changed their name to Factor Women) is an incredible agency! I told them when I first signed with them what I would and would not do. They respected my decision and have NOT ONCE presurred me into doing anything I didn’t want to do! I love love LOVE my agents there…they are truly incredible and amazing!
4. CT: As an active member in the Fashion industry, you have maintained a great sense of style without compromising your modesty. Do you have any tips or encouragement for other young women in a similar situation?
Shannon: “Just because something is “in style” doesn’t mean it will look good on me, or is appropriate for me to wear. I like the classic look..one that never goes out of style! I also hate it when girls dress raunchy because they think they need to wear those outifts to get attention…if that is what they are after, then it is the wrong attention they are going to get! Being classy, at least in my mind, just exudes richness. You can still be in style and dress in a hip way, without “showing off” that which is supposed to remain hidden! 
”
5. CT: The Beauty sector continually barrages women with a standard of beauty that is unrealistic for most- what would you say to a young woman who wants to be beautiful but knows she doesn’t look like covergirl?
Shannon: “Most of the time, the images that are in the magazines are photoshopped, cropped, fixed, edited, etc…they don’t give an accurate picture of what the real image really looked liked. It is very deceiving. They do that so those images will entice the buyer, to draw you in… So, never compare yourself to girls you see in advertisements and or magazines…because that image isn’t “reality.” Accentuate what your best features are..whether it be your eyes, or lips. Everyone is beautiful in their own way for the Lord created you that way didn’t He? Society likes to set the standard of what “beautiful, sexy” is and we have to try our best not to get caught up in it…people’s imperfections are beautiful and makes them unique!”
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[...] Empowered Traditionalist » I asked a model for advice… [...]
I watched Robin on ATNM. It’s great to know she is still working in the industry!
Ack – Shannon! Sorry, it’s early!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
That is so neat to hear about young women who are taking a stand in our dying and lost culture on the topic of modesty and being who our heavenly Father created us to be in the first place–like Christ and no one else. Thank you, Shannon, for being a great example and I pray that our Lord will protect you from the evil one who always tempts us and puts us down. I pray that our Lord will give you the strength and wisdom you need, as He is the One and only Joy and Salvation.
God bless you, Shannon, for taking a stand!
Love in Christ Who died for our sins upon the cross and rose again!!
I remember that episode of ANTM. It’s cool to hear Shannon hasn’t changed her beliefs or strayed from her convictions.
Thank you for this interview – it was a great idea! It is so good for other Christian young women to know that they can be a part of and thus influence the fashion/modeling industry without compromise. Carrie Prejean needs to meet Shannon Stewart!
~Amanda~
I googled her name and found lots of provacative, half-nude photos. Is that the same model?
No, Check out Shannon Ratliffe. (her married name)
I had the same problem.
I’m glad that she stayed true to her convictions even though it meant risking her job. But she earned many people’s respect in the process; such as yours and now…mine. And I’m really glad to see she’s still working and is successful without selling out. Good for her! I aspire to be more like that.
Jesus Christ is my Saving Grace.
~Leda~
Coo:), are culture needs more people like Shannon.